Science 101 is a four-month, non-credit, barrier free course offered to residents of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and other inner-city communities.

The program provides an introductory science education in physics, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth and ocean science, and biology and is taught by University of British Columbia professors and graduate students. Science 101 is available to individuals who have historically had difficulty accessing a university education. There is no fee for the course and no pre-requisite knowledge is required.

Learning Objectives

• To help students learn concepts from various scientific disciplines.
• To introduce scientific knowledge that helps students understand the natural forces governing our world.
• To broaden students' experience in their community.
• To have fun with science.

Course Time and Duration

Science 101 is offered every summer from May to August. The fourteen week program consists of 2 lectures per week, 1 optional tutorial per week, and 1 to 2 optional field trips per month.

Lectures are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30pm on the UBC Point Grey campus. Optional tutorial sessions are held Wednesdays from 3 to 5pm at the UBC Learning Exchange (at 612 Main St.). Lectures and tutorials are held every week with the exception of the mid-term break. Optional exciting and educational field trips are also offered throughout the term, and include the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre, the TRIUMF Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics, and a Food Science Lab at Langara. A graduation ceremony is held at the end of the program.

Upcoming program dates:

• May 6, 2013: Orientation
• May 7 to August 7, 2013: Weekly lectures, tutorials and field trips
• July 1 to July 7, 2013: Mid-term break
• August 8, 2013: Graduation ceremony

» 2012 Program calendar
» 2012 Program schedule and description

Information for Students

Science 101 is offered in the summer term, between May and August. The fourteen-week session consists of two classes per week (UBC campus, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:00 to 8:30 pm), one tutorial session per week (The UBC Learning Exchange, 612 Main Street, Wednesdays, 3:00 to 5:00 pm) and approximately two field trips per month. The evening classes will be either lectures or labs.

In preparation for lectures reading and homework may be required. At the end of the course students are required to prepare a final project that demonstrates what they have learnt by taking the course. The final project will be presented at the graduation ceremony. Students should be prepared to spend time outside of the class to complete their project. Volunteers will be available to help students with their projects.

There is space each year for approximately 25 students. If you are interested in finding out more about Science 101, please contact us by e-mail or by phone (see contact information).

Information sessions for prospective students:

• March 28, 2013 from 2 to 3pm in the Multipurpose room at the UBC Learning Exchange (612 Main Street)
• April 3, 2013 from 3 to 4pm in the Learning lab at the UBC Learning Exchange (612 Main Street)
• April 5, 2013 from 3 to 4pm in the Learning lab at the UBC Learning Exchange (612 Main Street)

» Final Project Information
» Library resources for final project | UBC Library
» Student testimonials

Information for Volunteers

We are always seeking volunteers to assist with the Science 101 program. Volunteers are recruited each year in April. To find out more about volunteering with Science 101 please read the information below. You may contact us by e-mail or phone if you have any additional questions (see contact information).

» Volunteer information
» Volunteer application form
» Volunteer testimonials

If you are interested in applying to volunteer bring a 250-word cover letter explaining why you would like to be involved, a resume listing your current activities, and a completed volunteer application form to an information session. All documents must be submitted in person at an information session.

Volunteer information sessions:

• Wednesday March 27, 2013, 9 to 9:30am, Biological Sciences Building, room 1018

• Thursday April 11, 2013, 2 to 2:30pm, Biological Sciences Building, room 1018
• Friday April 12, 2013, 2 to 2:30pm, Biological Sciences Building, room 1018

Alumni Program

The Science 101 Alumni Program began in 2010 as an effort to provide continued support to former Science 101 students, to help them develop skills needed for future education and employment opportunities, and to maintain a presence for the Science 101 program in the DTES community. Students eligible for the program must have successfully completed the Science 101 program and join the alumni program by invitation.

Events and workshops are held two to three times a month at various locations in Vancouver, including the UBC Learning Exchange and UBC point grey campus. Past events have included science tutorials, a resume-writing workshop, a first-aid course, and yoga.

» 2011-2012 Alumni program schedule

Instructors

Instructors are asked to design a lecture, possibly including laboratory and/or field session, for a 2 hour class. Part of the lecture should be spent on 'basic' concepts in the field you are lecturing about. The remaining lecture time can be used at the discretion of the instructor. In the past, research and science topics relating to society and current events have been well received. Instructors can participate in one or more classes. Course material should target the level of first year students. If you are interested in finding out more about Science 101, please contact us by e-mail or by phone (see contact information).

» Past instructors and lecture descriptions
» Lecturer testimonials